Choosing an Amiga - advice please

WildW · 27 October 2018, 19:36

Hi folks - looking for some info to help me choose which Amiga to buy. I've been without a real one for a while now, and although I have a reasonable emulation setup it's not the same as the real deal.

I started off on an A500 back in the day but eventually replaced it with an A1200 and did the WHDLoad thing. I think I would like one of these two options, but I'm torn. When I had the 1200 I did often come across compatibility issues with games, and I do like to explore obscure games and PD disks. It seems like the 1200 is great for anything converted to WHDLoad, but other things can be a pain. Can using Relokick type disks solve most of these issues if you know what you're doing? I spent an age unsuccessfully trying to play Microprose Soccer from a floppy before I eventually found a WHDLoad version.

The 500 appeals more for nostalgia and compatibility with older titles, but I know it's far less easy to upgrade one or get software onto the thing. Seems like a Gotek drive is probably the easiest path now, but I don't really want to hack an A500 case apart, or have one hanging out the edges. Compact Flash on the 1200 was so convenient in comparison. Stupid as it sounds I could consider using a Gotek as an external drive to copy onto real floppies. I know serial cables are a (slow) route too. Any other options?

The ECS machines seem like a half-way house that solve neither problem - not as fully compatible as an A500, not as capable as a 1200. Though maybe an A600 with a rom switcher? Just confused and overthinking things at the moment. Any helpful advice appreciated.

crazyc · 27 October 2018, 19:45

From a games perspective I would have to say a1200 with an accelerator myself...

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Predseda · 27 October 2018, 22:03

A1200

d4rk3lf · 27 October 2018, 23:51

A1200... there's no incompatibility issues now (from my knowledge) with WHDLoad games.

Amiga 500 with Aca 500 + (my machine) or vampire, or terrible fire is also a great option. You got extra ram, extra processor speed, and can use CF cards to store many games and apps.

But... if you have money... best bet is A1200 with some accelerator and CF card.

Anubis · 28 October 2018, 00:13

Raspberry Pi with RetroPie and/or Amiberry.

This is kind of my thinking...

[ Show youtube player ]

[ Show youtube player ]

I still have sn Amiga 1200 just for nostalgic reasons, but RPi is only one hooked to tv. (and still using computer emulation as well)

No issues with compatibility.

WildW · 28 October 2018, 07:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anubis

Raspberry Pi with RetroPie and/or Amiberry.

This is kind of my thinking...

[ Show youtube player ]

[ Show youtube player ]

I still have sn Amiga 1200 just for nostalgic reasons, but RPi is only one hooked to tv. (and still using computer emulation as well)

No issues with compatibility.

I know where you're coming from - it's what I keep telling myself, that emulation is in many ways better than the real thing. However, I do find there is more to it than that and emulation doesn't scratch the itch for "using old computers" for me.

Foebane · 28 October 2018, 08:26

What I would like to know about real hardware here is: if I was to get hold of a super-accelerated A1200 with lots of memory, would I be able to run ANY demo, or would a lot of them be too fast or just plain glitchy?

I get this issue a lot in emulation, just wondering if the same is true of real hardware?

alpine9000 · 28 October 2018, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foebane

What I would like to know about real hardware here is: if I was to get hold of a super-accelerated A1200 with lots of memory, would I be able to run ANY demo, or would a lot of them be too fast or just plain glitchy?

I get this issue a lot in emulation, just wondering if the same is true of real hardware?

You get glitches running the ADF's or using WHDLoad ?

I find 99% if WHDLoad stuff works perfectly on my A1200.

Foebane · 28 October 2018, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpine9000

You get glitches running the ADF's or using WHDLoad ?

I find 99% if WHDLoad stuff works perfectly on my A1200.

ADFs. The glitches in demo emulation are manifested by odd palette shimmering or parts where the visuals slow to a crawl and the sound is heavily stuttered - the latter is most common, I think it's because it's locked into cycle-exact. I find that by decreasing or increasing the hardware spec defined in each configuration, I can solve most issues.

Hewitson · 28 October 2018, 11:05

If running demos from ADF that implies they're fairly old demos and may not run well, if at all, on something like an 060 accelerated Amiga (unless WHDLoad is used).

Demos for high end machines are generally distributed in lha/lzx format.

alpine9000 · 28 October 2018, 11:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foebane

ADFs. The glitches in demo emulation are manifested by odd palette shimmering or parts where the visuals slow to a crawl and the sound is heavily stuttered - the latter is most common, I think it's because it's locked into cycle-exact. I find that by decreasing or increasing the hardware spec defined in each configuration, I can solve most issues.

You won’t have much luck running older demos on a real AGA machine without using WHDload patched versions.

Foebane · 28 October 2018, 13:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpine9000

You won’t have much luck running older demos on a real AGA machine without using WHDload patched versions.

Thank Toni for WinUAE, then!

Hewitson · 28 October 2018, 13:31

No, thank Wepl and everyone else involved with WHDLoad. Even on an emulator, it's the most sensible solution.

Foebane · 28 October 2018, 14:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hewitson

No, thank Wepl and everyone else involved with WHDLoad. Even on an emulator, it's the most sensible solution.

I use WHDLoad for games, but not for demos. I don't want to discuss it here any further.

EDIT: Apologies if I went off-topic or killed this thread, that wasn't my intention.

WildW · 30 October 2018, 09:14

Yeah, so I bought an A1200 in the end. Seemed the right thing. If I have compatibility issues I'll have to learn how to make WHDLoad installs as that seems to be the cure-all.

Foebane · 30 October 2018, 09:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildW

Yeah, so I bought an A1200 in the end. Seemed the right thing. If I have compatibility issues I'll have to learn how to make WHDLoad installs as that seems to be the cure-all.

I always figured out that was the best single all-round Amiga to get, as it has everything, especially expandability.

Mrz · 30 October 2018, 09:35

if you want to explore obscure games and PD disks the A1200 is not ideal

lot of games will not work on a 020+, others games don't like the AGA chipset etc
The A500 is the best for this because relokick will not solve incompatibilities in tons of games

bitter · 30 October 2018, 10:01

Obviously the solution is to get both! That way you can drain your money twice as fast

WildW · 30 October 2018, 10:34

I almost bid on a 500 as well yesterday, but managed to contain myself. They are cheaper at least, and easier to deal with once I have the 1200 to make moving software over easier. Main trouble with the A500 is they're so darned big I'm not sure it would fit on my desk.

Foebane · 30 October 2018, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildW

I almost bid on a 500 as well yesterday, but managed to contain myself. They are cheaper at least, and easier to deal with once I have the 1200 to make moving software over easier. Main trouble with the A500 is they're so darned big I'm not sure it would fit on my desk.

I had a wooden computer desk for a birthday of mine in the 1980s, and my Atari 800XL fitted fine on it. But then I got an ST, and later on, an A500, and those last two were hanging off of the edge of the desk, they were so big!

27 October 2018, 19:36	#1
WildW Registered User Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Cranbrook, UK Posts: 36	Choosing an Amiga - advice please Hi folks - looking for some info to help me choose which Amiga to buy. I've been without a real one for a while now, and although I have a reasonable emulation setup it's not the same as the real deal. I started off on an A500 back in the day but eventually replaced it with an A1200 and did the WHDLoad thing. I think I would like one of these two options, but I'm torn. When I had the 1200 I did often come across compatibility issues with games, and I do like to explore obscure games and PD disks. It seems like the 1200 is great for anything converted to WHDLoad, but other things can be a pain. Can using Relokick type disks solve most of these issues if you know what you're doing? I spent an age unsuccessfully trying to play Microprose Soccer from a floppy before I eventually found a WHDLoad version. The 500 appeals more for nostalgia and compatibility with older titles, but I know it's far less easy to upgrade one or get software onto the thing. Seems like a Gotek drive is probably the easiest path now, but I don't really want to hack an A500 case apart, or have one hanging out the edges. Compact Flash on the 1200 was so convenient in comparison. Stupid as it sounds I could consider using a Gotek as an external drive to copy onto real floppies. I know serial cables are a (slow) route too. Any other options? The ECS machines seem like a half-way house that solve neither problem - not as fully compatible as an A500, not as capable as a 1200. Though maybe an A600 with a rom switcher? Just confused and overthinking things at the moment. Any helpful advice appreciated.

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27 October 2018, 19:45	#2
crazyc Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Gravesend - UK Posts: 927	From a games perspective I would have to say a1200 with an accelerator myself... Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

27 October 2018, 22:03	#3
Predseda Puttymoon inhabitant Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tromaville Age: 46 Posts: 7,539	A1200

27 October 2018, 23:51	#4
d4rk3lf Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Novi Sad, Serbia Posts: 1,645	A1200... there's no incompatibility issues now (from my knowledge) with WHDLoad games. Amiga 500 with Aca 500 + (my machine) or vampire, or terrible fire is also a great option. You got extra ram, extra processor speed, and can use CF cards to store many games and apps. But... if you have money... best bet is A1200 with some accelerator and CF card.

28 October 2018, 00:13	#5
Anubis Retro Gamer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Underworld Age: 51 Posts: 4,058	Raspberry Pi with RetroPie and/or Amiberry. This is kind of my thinking... [ Show youtube player ] [ Show youtube player ] I still have sn Amiga 1200 just for nostalgic reasons, but RPi is only one hooked to tv. (and still using computer emulation as well) No issues with compatibility.

28 October 2018, 08:26	#7
Foebane Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Cardiff, UK Age: 51 Posts: 2,871	What I would like to know about real hardware here is: if I was to get hold of a super-accelerated A1200 with lots of memory, would I be able to run ANY demo, or would a lot of them be too fast or just plain glitchy? I get this issue a lot in emulation, just wondering if the same is true of real hardware?

28 October 2018, 11:05	#10
Hewitson Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 41 Posts: 3,772	If running demos from ADF that implies they're fairly old demos and may not run well, if at all, on something like an 060 accelerated Amiga (unless WHDLoad is used). Demos for high end machines are generally distributed in lha/lzx format.

28 October 2018, 13:31	#13
Hewitson Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 41 Posts: 3,772	No, thank Wepl and everyone else involved with WHDLoad. Even on an emulator, it's the most sensible solution.

30 October 2018, 09:14	#15
WildW Registered User Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Cranbrook, UK Posts: 36	Yeah, so I bought an A1200 in the end. Seemed the right thing. If I have compatibility issues I'll have to learn how to make WHDLoad installs as that seems to be the cure-all.

30 October 2018, 09:35	#17
Mrz Banned Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: I Posts: 338	if you want to explore obscure games and PD disks the A1200 is not ideal lot of games will not work on a 020+, others games don't like the AGA chipset etc The A500 is the best for this because relokick will not solve incompatibilities in tons of games

30 October 2018, 10:01	#18
bitter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Fort Mill, SC, US Posts: 83	Obviously the solution is to get both! That way you can drain your money twice as fast

30 October 2018, 10:34	#19
WildW Registered User Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Cranbrook, UK Posts: 36	I almost bid on a 500 as well yesterday, but managed to contain myself. They are cheaper at least, and easier to deal with once I have the 1200 to make moving software over easier. Main trouble with the A500 is they're so darned big I'm not sure it would fit on my desk.

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